Foreign-funded companies, transnationals and businesses with investment from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan have given 2.9 billion yuan (US4414.3 million) in relief aid for areas affected by the May 12 earthquake, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday.

The total included 2.42 billion yuan in cash and 482 million yuan worth of food, medicines, telecommunications equipment, motor vehicles, digging devices and lighting equipment, said a ministry statement.

The figures were based on rough statistics compiled up to Monday.

China's Internet forums have been filled with rumors and complaints about foreign-funded companies being miserly in their quake assistance.

In another development, the ministry said, as of Monday, 18,326 businesses in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces and Chongqing municipality, which were affected by the devastating earthquake, had resumed operation as of Monday.

The total included 699 wholesale companies and 17,627 retailers and other enterprises.

The 8.0-magnitude earthquake that jolted southwestern China has claimed at least 67,183 lives.

(Xinhua News Agency May 28, 2008)